If you have been hibernating this winter, it’s time to step outside. Whether you enjoy rafting, zip lining or hiking, be sure to bring high energy snacks. Hunger can strike when you least expect it, and if your wilderness adventure turns out to be longer than planned, you’ll be well prepared.

Dried fruits can be made easily in your oven. If you are short on time (the process can take a few hours), grab packaged dried fruits instead. Read the ingredients and choose dried fruits without any added sugar or preservatives, such as sulfites.

Nuts are a great energy source and if salted, can help replace the salt you lose through sweat on hot days. If you’re a fan of the sweet and salty combination, make your own trail mix with your favorite dried fruits, nuts and dark chocolate chips.

Packaged granola and granola bars can be full of added sugar, preservatives and unhealthy fats. Make your own granola with your favorite ingredients or look for packaged granola made with wholesome ingredients like oats, almonds, cashews, dried fruits and honey or maple syrup.

There are hundreds of energy bars on the market. Read the labels to make sure you recognize the ingredients and buy a few to taste before your adventure. Who wants a snack they don’t enjoy?

Bananas, oranges, apples and grapes all travel well for a day trip and are a great source of energy and water.

Before chowing down on snacks, remember to balance calories in with calories out, and don’t forget to stay hydrated and bring plenty of water with you.

Bethany Smith, RD, community wellness representative – Bethany earned her Bachelor’s degree in nutrition from Miami of Ohio and completed a dietetic internship at Georgia State University. She currently provides nutrition education through community partnerships and the Good Measure Meals blog. She is a certified specialist in Oncology Nutrition and certified in adult weight management.

Gabrielle Sabini, MD of North Atlanta Dermatology says: Actinic Keratoses are precancerous lesions that are most commonly found on the head and upper extremities. They present as scaly patches which often sting. Actinic Keratosis are caused by ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun or indoor tanning. They are considered precancerous because they can lead to non-melanoma skin cancers. It is best to treat them before this transformation occurs. A dermatologist can easily treat them in the office and/or may prescribe creams to use at home. Actinic Keratosis is preventable by using sun screen and sun protective clothing.

Know what documents to keep and toss

By Karen Lee

There’s something scary about getting rid of statements and documents. Despite the hassle of filing paperwork, you feel like your finances may cease to exist if there’s nothing printed out to prove it. In today’s digital marketplace, going paperless is a safe and realistic goal, as long as you keep a few things in mind.

What to Keep

Documents that pertain to assets bought or sold. Keep car titles, land deeds, mutual funds, stocks and bonds. You must be able to prove what you paid in case you want to sell.

Retirement account forms 8606, 5498 and 1099-R. These forms prove what has gone in and out. It’s not necessary to keep the statements.

Receipts for minor purchases after a couple of months. However, keep receipts that pertain to taxes with your tax return information.

Utility bills and old insurance claims. Bill statements are available online. Once insurance claims are settled and you cash your check, you no longer need your records.

Social Security settled Investment Statements. These are all archived and available upon request. You can also go to www.socialsecurity.gov for an updated social security statement and print out your statement as often as you like.

Remember to shred everything you get rid of and scan a backup copy of what you keep for cloud or external hard drive storage. Also consider setting up a separate email account. That way, online bills won’t get sent to your spam folder.

Still feeling uncertain about transitioning from paper statements? Take baby steps. Start by going paperless with convenience utilities like cell phone bills. Just be careful—going paperless doesn’t mean you can be negligent. There’s no good excuse for bad bookkeeping.

Karen Lee’s passion for helping people achieve their life’s goals has moved her to reach an audience beyond her practice as a Certified Financial Planner™. She is a frequent guest on CNN Newsroom and her articles have appeared in both industry and consumer publications. She is the author of the book, “It’s Just Money, So Why Does it Cause So Many Problems?” www.facebook.com/karenleetalksmoney

Chastain Park – This park is my favorite place to walk and exercise. I always feel like I have taken a mini-vacation when I go around its beautiful walking path. A three to four mile loop, depending on the course you choose, will add pep to your step and put a smile on your face.

24/7 Comedy Radio – If you want a quick mood change as you are navigating our city’s traffic (which is a guaranteed bad mood) tune in to channel 92.3 FM for comedy radio. It’s amazing how fast your perspective changes – you may just go from smiling to a full-on belly laugh.

Samsung 5.1 Channel 1000W 3D Wi-Fi Blu-ray Home Theater System – I just got this awesome surround sound music system. It has a browser, blu-ray and surround sound for my TV. But the best part is having Pandora on my TV screen so I can play all the music I love. That makes me smile. $400Details:www.samsung.com

Dog-E-Glow LED collar – Spending time with your pets is something that makes most of us happy. Check out these fun colorful collars that will keep your pup safe and stylish at the same time!Details:www.dogeglow.com

Ballroom Dance Clubs or Johnny’s Hideaway – If you want to learn to dance, dance, dance, I love the pros at Ballroom Dance Clubs. They make you feel comfortable and are such great teachers. If you just want to “cut a rug,” there’s no place like Johnny’s Hideaway.Details: 887 West Marietta St. NW, Atlanta, GA, (404) 897-5556, www.myballroomdanceclub.com, 3771 Roswell Road, Atlanta, GA, www.johnnyshideaway.com

Jackie Treehorn Cocktail – If all else fails, have a drink with friends. This refreshing cocktail is named after a character in the movie “The Big Lebowksi” and can be found at Kaleidoscope Bistro & Pub. Made with ginger beer, bourbon and fresh squeezed lemon, it is sure to make you giggle.Details: 1410 Dresden Dr., Atlanta, GA, www.k-pub.com

If you want to learn more about treatments for joint pain, join orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Chris Haraszti at the DeKalb Medical Theatre on March 7 for a talk on Causes and Care of Joint Pain. A complimentary tour of the Joint Solutions Center will take place from 5 to 6 p.m.
Details: (404) 501-9355, www.dekalbmedical.org

If you love a good story and the challenge of hiking at night, then head over to Sweetwater Creek State Park on March 16 from 7 to 9 p.m. for their Candlelight Hike.
Discover the historical ruins that will take you back to the days of the New Manchester Manufacturing Company, a textile mill that was burned during the Civil War. This mile-long hike through the state park follows a stream directly to the remains of the mill.

Don’t be put off by the idea of trekking through the darkness; all hikers will be provided with candle lanterns. This is an adult-only adventure, so no children under six years of age or dogs are allowed on the hike. Participants will meet and register at the Interpretive Center. Registration is $5 and parking is $5.

Need flawless tanned legs in a hurry? Treat yourself to Sally Hansen Salon Airbrush Legs ($13.99). This water-resistant makeup sprays easily on skin for a streak-free look. You can select from three shades depending on your skin tone.

If you are very pale, I recommend starting with light glow and then adding more color if you need it. This spray formula also contains a conditioning treatment for legs enriched with vitamin K to help soften the appearance of veins, bruises and scars.

The formula dries quickly and does not rub off on your clothing. All you’re left with is flawless looking color. I’m hooked on this new secret weapon! You can find this product in most drugstores or online.

This flavorful dish works for breakfast, lunch, dinner or any time. One of the main ingredients, Swiss chard, packs a powerful nutritional punch delivering vitamins K, A, and C as well as potassium and iron. Garnish the dish with your favorite herb (basil or chives are excellent choices) and serve by itself or on a toasted roll.

Method: Preheat oven to 350°F and generously butter 4 (6-ounce) ramekins or custard cups. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add garlic and cook one minute. Add Swiss chard; cover the skillet and cook, stirring frequently, until chard is tender, 8 to 10 minutes; add a few tablespoons of water if the skillet begins to dry out. Remove from the heat and pour off any excess liquid. Stir in 1/2 cup of the Parmigiano Reggiano and half the tomato. Spoon the mixture evenly into the ramekins. Break an egg into each ramekin and sprinkle with remaining cheese. Pile remaining tomato around eggs and season generously with salt and pepper. Place on a baking sheet and bake until egg whites are almost completely set, 15 to 20 minutes. Cool 5 minutes before serving.